Your East Anglian Wedding news and ideas from around the region

Micklefield Hall Wedding Fair hosted by County Wedding Events!

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at Micklefield Hall, Hertfordshire, for inspiration on Sunday 17th January 2027! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples that are desperate for face-to-face wedding planning in touch with local professionals who are on hand to help plan the wedding day. From photographers to cake makers, musicians to florists you're sure to tick a lot off of your to-do list by attending one of our County Wedding Events.

Amy Anabelle Events Celebrates Second Year of Creating Seamless Weddings

my Annabelle Events is marking the halfway point of its second year in business, and what a journey it has been. From rustic barn celebrations and elegant marquee weddings to private family estates and traditional church ceremonies across Norfolk and Suffolk, owner Amy has been helping couples enjoy calm, organised and stress-free wedding days. One particularly exciting milestone came late last year when a wedding Amy coordinated in August 2025 was featured in British Vogue. It was a proud moment and a wonderful reflection of the exceptional celebrations she has had the privilege of bringing to life.

Don't miss the Fennes wedding show in November - hosted by County Wedding Events

If you're newlyweds-to-be embarking on your wedding planning journey, pop along to the County Wedding Events wedding show at the Fennes in Essex for inspiration on Sunday 22nd November, 2026! Sister company to County Wedding Magazines, the event brings couples in touch with local professionals who are on hand to help plan the wedding day. From photographers to cake makers, musicians to florists you're sure to tick a lot off of your to-do list by attending one of our County Wedding Events. Whether you choose a large celebration or a small and intimate wedding, Fennes offers the perfect space for your special day. You will have a dedicated team to guarantee your day exceeds your expectations including your own Wedding and Events Manager who will support you throughout the planning stages right up to the big day to ensure all goes to plan.

The Ickworth Unveils Stunning New Look

The Ickworth, part of the Luxury Family Hotels collection, has reopened following an extensive refurbishment, unveiling beautifully reimagined interiors that blend the grandeur of the Grade I listed Italianate mansion with contemporary elegance.Set within 1,800 acres of Suffolk countryside, the estate has undergone a complete transformation led by acclaimed interior designers StudioJill. Every aspect of the hotel has been refreshed, from its 37 individually designed bedrooms and stylish public spaces to its luxurious Elemis spa and dining venues, creating an inviting destination for couples, families and wedding celebrations alike.

Indie Bride London finds a new home in Norwich

Award-winning bridalwear brand Indie Bride London relocated from the capital to the heart of Norwich in August. Opening its doors on 7th August 2026, the showroom and studio on Surrey Street promises Norfolk brides a truly personal and creative dress-shopping experience. Founded in 2008 and now led by designer Miina Laitsaari, the boutique has built a reputation for its modern bohemian aesthetic and handcrafted gowns. After taking over the business in 2019, Miina has guided the brand through significant change while remaining committed to sustainable craftsmanship and timeless design. Rather than offering a traditional bridal boutique experience, Indie Bride London allows brides to work directly with the designer who will create their gown.

5 fun ways to celebrate a hen or stag do without a big night out

If you're planning a celebration that doesn't revolve around drinking, there are plenty of ways to make it fun without sticking to the usual formula. Jak Kennedy, adventure events coordinator at MadMax Adventures, shares five alternative hen and stag do ideas for couples who want something a little different. For couples who want something a bit more exciting than the usual night out, activities such as quad biking and 4x4 off-roading are a great way to get everyone involved. It's a chance to try something new, have a bit of friendly competition and make memories together before the wedding

New Wedding Venue Alert

A new luxury wedding venue has arrived in the Norfolk countryside, as Little Massingham Manor officially opens its doors for exclusive wedding celebrations and weekend stays. Set within 63 acres of woodland and rolling countryside in West Norfolk, the private country estate is designed for couples looking to turn their wedding into a full experience, with stylish on-site lodges accommodating up to 40 guests across the estate. The venue also features elegant entertaining spaces, landscaped gardens and woodland hot tubs for guests to enjoy.

Why more couples are choosing whole-house weddings over traditional venues

Dan Harley, founder of Group Escape Houses, explores why more couples are choosing to celebrate their wedding in a private house rather than a traditional venue. From Friday to Sunday, exclusive-use houses offer the chance to bring family and friends together under one roof for an entire weekend of celebrations. With accommodation for guests, space to host the wedding and the freedom to enjoy time together beyond the big day, this relaxed approach takes the pressure out of traditional wedding logistics. Group Escape Houses lists large properties across the UK, and after more than 20 years in the group celebrations industry, the team has seen growing interest in whole-house wedding bookings.

Celebrant vs registrar vs humanist celebrant: what's the difference?

Celebrant vs registrar vs humanist celebrant: What's the difference? Ceremony Master explains... Choosing who will lead your wedding ceremony is an important decision, but understanding the difference between a registrar, an independent celebrant and a humanist celebrant can help you decide what's right for your day. From the legal requirements of getting married to creating a personal, meaningful ceremony that reflects your relationship, each option offers something different. A registrar takes care of the legal civil marriage, while an independent celebrant can create a bespoke ceremony tailored to your story, preferences and values. A humanist celebrant also leads a personal ceremony, but one rooted in humanist beliefs and a non-religious outlook. The important distinction is that not every celebrant is authorised to legally marry a couple, and the rules vary across the UK

New Spa Packages

Luxury Suffolk retreat Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa has unveiled a new Whole Spa Hire package, giving guests the chance to enjoy exclusive access to its award-winning spa for private celebrations and special occasions. The new offering is designed for everything from engagement celebrations and hen parties to milestone birthdays and corporate events, combining privacy, relaxation and luxury in an elegant countryside setting. Available from £2,750 for up to 15 guests, the package includes exclusive use of the spa for three-and-a-half hours, with access from 5.30pm to 9pm.

Huntington Town Hall's New Offerings

There are now even more options available for couples looking to get married at Huntingdon Town Hall!

The Town Hall rooms are now available for use by couples booking register office weddings with Cambridgeshire Registrars, allowing them to choose the simplicity of a register office ceremony in the elegant setting of the Town Hall's Assembly Room or Council Chamber. For couples looking for something a little more tailored to them, the Town Hall can still be booked for a ceremony. By booking direct, couples will get support from the friendly wedding team, who are available to help all from the day of booking right through to the day of the ceremony.

Seaside Sweethearts

Couples are being invited to say "I do" by the sea as Suffolk wedding venue Thorpeness Country Club unveils a new package designed to make coastal celebrations extra special.

The Seaside Sweethearts Wedding Package is available for selected dates between October 2026 and December 2027, offering couples the chance to celebrate in the picturesque seaside setting with up to 60 guests.

Those who secure their date before 30th June 2026 will receive a complimentary professional engagement shoot worth £300, provided by recommended photographer Images by Anna (imagesbyanna.co.uk). The shoot offers couples the opportunity to capture relaxed, natural pre-wedding photographs against the venue's beautiful coastal backdrop. The package also includes exclusive venue hire, welcome drinks, a selection of canapés, a chef-curated three-course wedding breakfast, table wine, a celebratory toast drink, and tea and coffee for guests.

Modern wedding rituals revealed as Brits bury sausages for the big day

For decades, the British wedding has followed a well-known rulebook of etiquette, from formal seating plans to three tier cakes. However, new research from Moonpig, the UK's leading online greeting card and gift retailer, has revealed that the nation is moving away from these traditions in favour of highly personal and often quirky rituals. The study of 1,500 Brits reveals that authenticity is winning over tradition. Six in ten (59%) believe a wedding should be a true reflection of the couple's personalities, even if it means breaking classic wedding etiquette. To ensure their day feels truly unique, many are turning to unconventional superstitions and spiritual services. Over one in five (22%) Brits said they have buried or would consider burying a sausage to guarantee good weather on their wedding day. Meanwhile, over a third (39%) would consider hiring an 'Etsy witch' or similar spiritualist to provide blessing rituals for their big day.

New Beginnings

The award-winning Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa has launched a new website as part of an exciting series of updates for 2026. For the first time, the hotel and spa are showcased together in a single, elegantly designed online experience. The website follows a series of recent enhancements across the property. The Roxana Bar has been refreshed with new carpets and curtains, guest lifts upgraded, and 25 bathrooms refurbished, elevating comfort and luxury throughout. Additionally, three Executive Suites have been restyled with soft furnishings and refreshed colour schemes, offering an even more contemporary and sophisticated stay.

UK’s Leading Stag & Hen Planners Under New Ownership

Tour operator Groupia, the parent company of leading stag and hen party brands StagWeb and GoHen, have been acquired by fellow group travel firm Funktion Leisure. Funktion Leisure, the company behind Funktion Events - an ABTA-bonded UK event specialist founded in 2007 - have also retained several of Groupia's staff to help with the transition and retain some of their extensive stag and hen party expertise. Funktion Events Managing Director Jay Broughton, said: "We acquired GoHen and StagWeb because they're two of the strongest names in UK hen and stag travel, with more than 750,000 customers between them since 2002.

Everlasting Blooms

Female-founded jewellery and lifestyle brand Lisa Angel, based in Norfolk, has launched a new collection of dried flower arrangements and accessories. Created by the brand's in-house floristry label, The Norfolk Flower Room, the collection includes bouquets, buttonholes and posies in a range of colour palettes. Each design focuses on natural textures and timeless elements, offering a beautiful way to elevate different aspects of the wedding day. With seven stores nationwide, Lisa Angel is known for its blend of timeless and trend-led products designed for every occasion. The brand's in-house floristry team carefully selects and styles each stem to create charming, sustainable and long-lasting arrangements, perfect for gifting, enhancing décor, or dressing a space for a special celebration.

A Grand Return

Hinchingbrooke House boasts a rich and layered history spanning nearly 1,000 years, evolving from a medieval religious site into one of Cambridgeshire's most notable historic houses. Before the pandemic, weddings were regularly held at the house, but celebrations unfortunately came to a halt during the shutdown and did not resume afterwards. This year, however, HBK Events, run by the school, is relaunching weddings at Hinchingbrooke House, with profits helping to support the upkeep of the historic building as well as the wider school community.

Bridal Afterglow

Luxury bridalwear brand Maria Callisto has unveiled a new sustainable sleepwear collection for brides, crafted from surplus silk originally used in designer wedding dresses. Made in England, the 12-piece collection, Illusory Desire, is designed for the modern bride, with contemporary silhouettes that blend elegance with ease. Each piece is created from reclaimed luxury silk, giving new life to premium bridal fabrics that might otherwise go unused. Rather than creating disposable bridalwear, Maria Callisto positions its designs as part of a ritual wardrobe, pieces intended to be slept in, celebrated in, and returned to long after the wedding day has passed.

Wowcher’s spa expert Cheryl Corns shares five ways to enjoy a little luxury for less

A relaxing spa visit doesn't have to involve an overnight stay or a three-figure budget. From choosing a shorter treatment with facilities access to comparing afternoon packages, there are ways to enjoy a little luxury while keeping spending down. Cheryl Corns, Wowcher's spa expert, shares five practical tips to help people find a spa experience that suits their budget. "Start with what you'd most enjoy from your visit," says Cheryl. "A massage, a swim and some time in the sauna might be exactly what you're looking for. You don't necessarily need a long treatment or an overnight stay to make it feel like a treat. "The key is to compare the whole experience—what treatment you get, which facilities you can use and how much time you have there—so you choose something that works for you."

Timeless Bridal Beauty

Multi-award-winning bridal hair and makeup artist Ieva Genovesi, based in Cambridge, has recently taken home an award at the Hitched Wedding Awards. With more than 15 years of experience and over 600 brides styled, Ieva is known for creating elevated, timeless bridal looks tailored to the modern bride. Ieva said: "My approach is calm, intuitive and highly personalised, ensuring every bride feels confident, at ease and effortlessly beautiful from the very first moment. Every detail is considered and every finish refined, resulting in a look that feels sophisticated, polished and authentic.